Recloser sequence changing means



7 Sheets-Sheet l Oct. 6, 1964 G. B. MooNEY EEcLosER SEQUENCE CHANGINGMEANS Filed sept. 22, 1960 Oct. 6, 1964 G. B. MOONEY 3,152,285

REcLosER SEQUENCE CHANGING MEANS FiledSept. 22, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 2ITI-E.. 4

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RECLOSER SEQUENCE CHANGING MEANS Filed Sept. 22, 1960 V'7 Sheets-Sheet 3EI E. 4A-

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RECLOSER SEQUENCE CHANGING MEANS Filed Sept. 22. 1960 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5INVENTOR.

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' d zw zf /23 Je? 3N 242 Anne/vnf Oct. 6, 1964 G. B. MooNEY REcEosERsEQuENcE CHANGING MEANS '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed Sept. 22, 1960 al u f V8 N/ Q u. 2 0 n z M .2 0 2 INVENTOR f/Mw a. mam/9 United States Patent3,152,285 RECLOSER SEQUENCE CHANGING MEANS Gerald B. yMooney,Greensburg, Pa., assignor to I-T-E Circuit Breaker Company,Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed sept. 22, 1960,ser. No. 57,803 16 Claims. (Cl. 317-22) This invention relates tocircuit interrupters of the automatic reclosing type and moreparticularly to a recloser having means for automatically changing theoperating characteristic thereof.

In electric distribution systems, especially in rural areas, circuitinterrupters of the automatic reclosing type are often employed. When acircuit breaker of this type is subjected to a fault current the breakeropens and thereafter goes through one or more sequenced closingoperations in accordance with conditions prevailing. If the faultcondition persists, after the closing sequence is complete the circuitbreaker will be locked open, but if the fault has cleared during thesequence interval the circuit breaker remains closed and resets toinitial condition.

Thus, if a persisting fault occurs close to the power station, thosesections of the distribution system more remote from the power stationthan the locked open recloser will be without power. Since most faultsare the result of a localized condition, if this condition can beisolated the remainder of the system can be safely energized.

The prior art has sought to provide means'for isolating a'faultedsection of line while restoring service to the remainder of the system.The prior art devices required fault sensing equipment which includeddifferential relays or semi-conductor devices operating on a phasecornparison basis or by means of oscillation detection. These systemswere costly to install, required extensive maintenance, and could not bereliably operated under differing climatic conditions.

Accordingly, this invention provides an automatic loop sectionalizingsystem utilizing automatic reclosers to isolate the faulted section ofline. In the system contemplated by this invention two bus sections arefed from separate sources of electrical energy. The ends of the busesremote from the energizing sources are connected to a normally open tieautomatic recloser which when closed connects the buses in electricalseries. A plurality of automatic reclosers each having dual trippingcharacteristics are provided between the ends of each bus and areconnected so as to divide each bus into a plurality of sections.

By dual tripping characteristics it is meant that the recloser isprovided with a normal tripping characteristic and an alternate trippingcharacteristic. The normal trippingcharacteristic is of the type wellknown to the art whereby the reclosers associated with each bus arearranged for sequential tripping in a manner such that the recloser mostremote from the energizing source will trip after the shortest timedelay. The alternate tripping characteristic is such that the reclosersof one bus section cooperate with the reclosers of the other bus sectionas well as with the tie circuit breaker, when they tie circuit breakeris closed, for sequential tripping whereby the recloser most remote fromthe energizing source trips after rthe shortest time delay. If anyrecloser in a bus section remains open for a sufficient period of timethe other reclosers in that section more remote from the energizingsource than the open recloser have the tripping time characteristicthereof automatically shifted to their alternate trippingcharacteristics and the normally open tie recloser is automaticallyclosed.

The means for shifting a recloser from its normal to Patented Oct. 6,1964 its alternate tripping characteristic comprises a device held in aready position when energized. Typically this device comprises an energystoring means held inactive by an energized solenoid. Uponde-energization of the solenoid, the energy storing means acting againsta time delay mechanism moves an operating link to a position in whichthe recloser is set to its alternate tripping characteristic.

Perhaps the most simple form of alternate tripping characteristic isthat in which the recloser automatically locks open after a singletripping operation. For this arrangement, the operating link is tied toa safety lockout lever of a type described in U.S. Patent No. 2,843,699to D. L. Leatherberry.

The tie recloser is normally in a position wherein the safety lockoutlever has been activated and the recloser locked in the open position.The loss of voltage sensing means is arranged to deactivate the safetylockout lever so that the recloser will automatically reclose.

In addition to utilizing the safety lockout feature as a means forestablishing an alternate tripping characteristic, the recloser may beequipped with dual control coils, dual control switches, dual timingdevices and integrators of two sets of miscellaneous parts. In effectthis type of recloser is comprised of two reclosers having individuallyadjustable time current characteristics and sequences. Selection ofoperation under the normal or alternate tripping characteristic isaccomplished by a rating selector switch operable by the operating linkof the loss of voltage sensing device previously described.

Another means for providing an alternate tripping characteristic is toprovide a device which introduces additional retarding leaf springs inassociation with the recloser control solenoid. Still another method isto selectively increase or decrease the ampere turns of the reclosersolenoid coil. Yet another method is to provide means for altering thereluctance of the control solenoid iron circuit.

A further method is to provide a clutch means to shift the mechanism foroperation in cooperation with restrainmg springs having differentcharacteristics. A still further method is to provide means for addingor subtracting a timer mechanism flywheel.

Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is to provide anautomatic recloser including means responsive to circuit conditions forautomatically shifting the tripping characteristics of the recloser.

Another object is to provide a novel means responsive to a loss ofvoltage condition to shift the tripping characteristic of an automaticrecloser from its normal tripping characteristic.

Still another object is to provide a novel means responsive to 'a lossof voltage for operating the safety lockout lever of an automaticrecloser.

The foregoing objects aswell as other objects of this invention shallbecome 'readily apparent after reading the following description of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of a type of automatic recloser utilizedfor the subject invention.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic illustrating a loop sectionalizing arrangementin which the power line is divided into four sections.

FIGURE 3 is a schematic illustrating a loop sectionalizing arrangementin which the power line is divided into six sections.

FIGURES 4 and 4A are schematicsy illustrating a sequence changing deviceactuated in response toy a loss of voltage for changing the recloserfrom its normal tripping characteristic to an alternate trippingcharacteristic. With the device inthe position of FIGURE 4, the recloseris operable in accordance with its normal tripping characteristic,whereas with the device in the position of FIGURE 4A, the recloser isset for operation with its alternate tripping characteristic. l

FIGURES 5 and 5A are schematics illustrating a modifcation of the deviceof FIGURES 4 and 4A. The device of FIGURES 5 and 5A is utilized foroperating the tie recloser to a closed position upon a loss of voltage.With the device in the position of FIGURE 5, the tie recloser is lockedopen, and with the device in the position of FIGURE SA, the tie recloseris conditioned for operation through a reclosing sequence.

FIGURES 6 through 1l are schematics illustrating means for providingreclosers with dual tripping characteristics. In the device of FIGURE 6,this is achieved by providing two timing mechanisms and two integratorsas well as two sets of operating controls for an individual recloser. Inthe devices of FIGURES 7 and 8, means are provided for altering thespring resistance of the time bar. In FIGURE 7, a dual time bar isprovided, while in FIGURE 8, a single time bar is utilized. In FIGURES 9and l0, timer operation is modified by changing the reluctance of theiron circuit and by changing the ampere turns of the magnet,respectively. In

FIGURE l1, the timer speed is changed by altering the flywheel thereof.

Now referring more particularly to FIGURE l, which shows a typicalrecloser of the type illustrated in U.S. Patents 2,693,514 and2,738,394. Recloser 19 comprises terminal 16" connected to magnetwinding 11. Winding 11 is connected to the parallel combination ofmagnet winding 12 and contact assembly 13, this parallel combinationthen being connected in series with movable contact 14 which is movablein an open and closed position with respect to cooperating contact 15.During normal operation, current proceeds from terminal 10 through themagnet winding 11', contact 13 (which is closed under normalconditions), movable contact 14 and terminal 16.

Upon the occurrence of an overload, magnet winding 11 will be energizedbeyond a predetermined value and in some desired manner, thisoverenergization will cause contact disengagement of the contacts 13 soas to force current flow through the winding 12. Winding 12, however, isso constructed to cause the movable contact 14 to move to a disengagedposition with respect to contact upon energization thereof so as toeffect disengagement of the contacts.

After the arc between separated contacts 14 and 15 is interrupted,winding 11 is de-energized and contact 13 immediately closes. A timingmechanism, which is here merely illustrated as the boX 17 and may beseen in more detail in conjunction with the above noted U.S. Patents2,693,514 and 2,738,394, will allow a re-engagement between the reclosercontacts.

In the event that the fault condition is still on the line, magnetwinding 11 will again be energized beyond its predetermined value so asto cause control contact 13 to reopen to thereby cause re-energizationof coil 12 and a reopening of the contact 14.

This sequence is then continued for a predetermined number of timesunder a continuing fault condition until the timing mechanism 17 willlock the control contact 13 and the contacts 14 and 15 in apredetermined position.

Contact 14 is movable to disengaged position by manually operable means19. If it is desired that the cyclic operation of contacts 14, 15 totheir open position responsive to fault conditions be defeatable, lever18' of safety lockout device 17 is appropriately positioned. Theconstruction of device 17 is described in detail in U.S. Patent2,843,699. With the lockout lever 18 activated, the reclosing contacts14, 15 will be maintained in open position upon their tirst movementthereto.

Loop Sectionalzing Arrangements In FIGURE 2, there is illustrated apower distribution system utilizing reclosers of the type illustrated inFIG- URE l, appropriately modified, as will be hereinafter explained.The distribution system is energized from separate voltage sources 20,21.

Source 2t) normally feeds a bus divided into two sections, Ztia and Zub.Similarly, source 21 normally feeds a bus divided into two sections, 21aand 2lb. One end of bus section 20a is connected through recloser 22a tosource 2t), while the other end of bus section 20a is connected throughrecloser 23a to one end of bus section 2011. The other end of bussection 2Gb is connected through tie recloser 25 to bus section 2lb. Bussections 21a, 2lb are connected by recloser 23b, with bus section 21abeing connected to source 21 through recloser 22h.

With the distribution system operating normally, tie recloser 25 is openand the other reclosers 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, are closed and are connectedfor operation under a normal tripping time characteristic, which istypical of reclosers Well known to the art. The number of automaticreclosing operations and the time delay for the tripping operations areset forth below each of the reclosers illustrated in FIGURE 2.

Reclosers 23a, 23b and tie recloser 25 are each provided With a device,whose construction shall be hereinafter explained, which, acting inresponse to a loss of voltage on the source side of the respectivereclosers, will cause the recloser mechanism to shift for operationunder an alternate tripping time characteristic. The alternate trippingtime characteristics of the reclosers are set forth in FIGURE 2 belowthe respective reclosers.

If a fault occurs at bus section 21a, recloser 22h goes through itsnormal tripping sequence and locks out so that service is lost fromrecloser 22b to tie recloser 25. After lockout of recloser 22h and asuitable time delay, as will be hereinafter explain-ed, means associatedwith recloser 23b senses the loss of voltage on the source side thereof,causing the lockout lever of recloser 23b to be activated, as will behereinafter explained. Recloser 23b is now set for one instantaneoustrip and lockout.

At the same time, means associated with tie recloser 25 also senses aloss of voltage and, after a suitable time delay, tie recloser 25 alsocloses. Now there is a complete circuit from source 20 to the fault atbus section 21a. This causes recloser 23b to Itrip instantaneously andoperate to lockout. Tie recloser 25 and reclosers 22a, 23a may also tripinstantaneously, but will reclose ort non-faulted portions of thedistribution system, so that reclosers 25, 22a, 23a will remain closedafter reclosing, thereby restoring service to all of the bus sections,20a, 2Gb and 2lb, between source 20 and recloser 23b.

Should a fault occur at bus section 2lb, recloser 23b goes through itsnormal reclosing sequence to lock out. Tie recloser 25 closes after atime delay and thereafter goes through its reclosing sequence andfinally locks out, thereby isolating the fault between tie recloser 25and recloser 23b.

For restoration to normal operation after repairing a faulted conditionat bus section 21a, recloser 22b is closed. The safety lockout lever ofrecloser 23b is manually reset to return recloser 23b for operationunder its normal tripping time characteristic. Recloser 23b is thenclosed. The safety lockout lever of tie recloser 25 is reset and tierecloser 25 is opened, so that all of the reclosers are now in theirnormal positions and operating under their normal tripping timecharacteristics. Similar operations are required for restoration ofservice after a fault occurs on any of the other sections of bus.

In FIGURE 3, there is illustrated a power distribution system loopsectionalizing arrangement which is an eX- tension of the sectionalizingarrangement previously described in connection with FIGURE 2. In thesystem of FIGURE 3, two voltage sources, 30, 31, energize two sectionsof bus which are connected by normally open tie recloser 32. Source 30normaly energizes bus sections 33a33c, while source 31 normallyenergizes bus sections 34a-34C.

Reclosers a, 3511 connect bus sections 33a, 34a, respectively, tovoltage sources 30, 31, respectively. Reclosers 36a, 36h connect bussections 33a, 3311 and 34a, 34b, respectively, in electrical series.Reclosers 37a, 37b connect bus sections 33b, 33e and 341;, 34C,respectively, in electrical series. The time delay intervals for normaland alternate tripping characteristic operations are indicated below therespective reclosers in FIGURE 3.

When a fault occurs at bus section 34b, .the sequence of operation is asfollows:

(1) Recloser 36b opens after ve units of time.

(2) Recloser 37b, sensing a loss of voltage on its line side, shifts foroperation to its alternate tripping characteristic time setting of twounits of time.

(3) After seven units of time, tie circuit breaker 32 closes.

(4) After two additional units of time, recloser 37b opens, therebyisolating bus section 34h and restoring service to all remainingsections of bus.

It is obvious that through a similar sequence of operations, faults atany other location of the distribution system will be similarlyisolated. The two radial sections left in service after the faultedsection has been isolated will still be selectively protected until thereclosers are restored to operation with their normal tripping timecharacteristics.

For the systems illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, it is to be .noted thatfor normal tripping characteristic operation'those reclosers more remotefrom the tie recloser are provided with longer time delays. After afault has been isolated, the tie recloser is coordinated with thosereclosers operating with an alternate time characteristic as well asthose reclosers associated with the non-faulted bus, whereby sequentialoperation as to time and/or magnitude of fault current is stillmaintained.

Sequence Changing Device In lthe loop sectionalizing system hereinbeforedescribed, automatic reclosers are utilized to isolate the faulted bussections. A number of these reclosers are provided with means forchanging their operation from a normal tripping time characteristic toan alternate tripping time characteristic, responsive to an indicationthat there is a loss of voltage on the line side of the respectiverecloser. The sequence changing device 40 for a normally closed recloseris illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 4A.

Device 40 comprises operating solenoid 41, energized through` thesecondary winding 42 of potential transformer 43, whose primary winding44 is connected from ground to the bus on the source side of theassociated recloser. When voltage is present on the source side of therecloser, solenoid 41 is energized causing the solenoid plunger 45 to bemaintained in its raised position of FIGURE 4 against the biasing actionof spring 46.

Spring 46 is connected to the lower end of plunger 45 While the upperend of plunger 45 is connected at 47 to link 48 ata point intermediatethe ends thereof. One end of link 48 is mounted to stationary pivot 49,while the other end has pivotally mounted thereto pawl 50, which isbiased by spring 51 into operative engagement with gear 52 of timingmechanism 53. Mechanism 53 is of a construction Well known to the art toprovide a retarding influence to downward movement of plunger 45.

With solenoid 41 deenergized, spring 46 acts to move plunger 45downward. This downward movement, however, is delayed through theengagement of pawl with the timing mechanism gear 52. After apredetermined interval of time determined by the retarding influence oftiming mechanism 53, plunger extension 54 strikes one arm of crank 55causing rotation thereof in clockwise direction about xed pivot 56 fromthe position of FIG- URE 4 to the position of FIGURE 4A. This causeslink 57, whose upper end is tied to the other arm of crwk 55 to movevertically upward.

The lower end of link 57 carries latch roller 58 which is disposedwithin depression 60 of latch member 59 6 when link 57 is in itslowermost position of FIGURE 4. Latch member 59 is pivotally mounted toxed pivot 61 and is connected to arms 62, 63 in a manner such that thesearms 62, 63 and latch member 59 pivot in unison about 61. When latchroller 58 is moved out of depression 6b, spring 64, acting downwardly,causes arm 62 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about pivot 61.

Vertically positioned operating link 65 is connected at its lower end 66to arm 62 near the free end thereof. The` upper end of link 65 isconnected atf67 to the safety lockout lever 68 or other suitable memberof a recloser, as will be hereinafter explained. Thus, When arm 62 movescounterclockwise from its position of FIGURE 4 to its position of FIGURE4A, operating link 65 is caused to move downward.

As fully explained in U.S. Patent 2,843,699, when the safety lockoutlever of a recloser is activated, upon subsequent tripping of therecloserthe recloser will not go through a series of timed opening andclosing operations. With operating link in the lowered position ofFIGURE 4A, the recloser safety lockout lever is activated.

Timing mechanism 53 is provided to impose a time delay between the lossof voltage and the change of sequence from normal to alternate trippingcharacteristic operation. This time delay enables the recloser tomaintain normal sequence for temporary loss of voltage, such as an openinterval between the instantaneous and time delay trips of associatedreclosers. Restoration of voltage before completion of the time delayperiod imposed by mechanism 53 automatically restores the timingmechanism to the ready position of FIGURE 4.

An auxiliary switch comprising cooperating contacts 72, 73 is providedand connected as shown for disconnecting solenoid'41 until theassociated recloser is reset. A similar switch may be provided forsignalling purposes. Auxiliary switch contact 72 is carried on one armof crank 69, which is pivoted at point 7 t?. Spring 71, acting uponcrank 69 urging same in a counterclockwise direction, biases contact 72toward engagement with contact 73. With operating link 65 in its loweredposition, arm 63 engages crank 69, rotating same in a clockwisedirection against the force of spring '71, causing contact 72 to partfrom contact 73. Contacts 72, 73, when parted, will open the seriescircuit between solenoid 41 and the transformer secondary 4Z. y

Device 40 is reset when the recloser safety lockout lever 68 is moved tothe inactive position. This is usually accomplished manually by a hookstick or similar device, or automatically by a suitable recloser attach-Moving safety lockout lever 68 to the inactive position of FIGURE 8restores the associated recloser for operation under its normal trippingtime characteristic and also permits the recloser to close.

FIGURES 5 and 5A illustrate a device 70 for permitting the closing of atie circuit recloser upon a loss of voltage at anysection of theconnected buses. Device 70 includes potential transformers 71, 72, whoseprimaries 73, 74, respectively, are yconnected to individual terminalsof the tie recloser. yThe secondary 75 of transformer 72 energizesauxiliary solenoid 76, whose plunger 77 `carries bridging contact 78 ofswitch 79.V Switch 79 is connected in circuit between solenoid 80 andits energizing means comprising secondary 81 of transformer 71.

Solenoid plunger 32 is biased downwardly by spring 33 and the upper endof plunger 82 is connected at 84 to link 85 intermediate the endsthereof. One end of link 85 is mounted to fixed pivot 86 and the otherend is connected at 87 to pawl 88. Spring 89, connected `between arm 85and pawl 88, biases the latter into operative engagement with gear 90 oftiming mechanism 91. Plunger extension 92 is positioned to engage andthereby rotate crank 93 clockwise about its pivot 94 upon downwardmovement of plunger 82.

Crank 93 is biased in a countercloekwise direction by spring 95, so thatlatch arm 96 is normally in the down position of FIGURE 5, wherein latchroller 97 is disposed within depression 98 of latch member 99, which ispivotally mounted at 100. Arms 101 and 102 are also mounted to pivot andare connected to latch member 99 so that all three elements, 99, 101,102 pivot in unison. Spring 103 biases arm 102 in a clockwise direction,thereby biasing operating link 104 secured to the free end of arm 102 inan upward direction. Operating link 104 is connected to the reclosersafety lockout lever 105.

When arm 102 is rotated to its most clockwise position against stop 106,arm 101 engages crank 107, pivoted at 108, and moves same in acounterclockwise direction against the force of biasing spring 109.Crank 107 carries contact 110 of auxiliary switch 111, which is seriallyconnected between solenoid winding 80 and switch 79 so that opening ofswitch 111 is effective to open the energizing circuit for solenoid 80.

With operating link 104 in its downward position of FIGURE 5, therecloser safety lockout lever maintains the tie recloser locked open,and upon movement of safety lockout lever 105 to its position of FIGURE5A, the tie recloser is closed and set for operation through a normalsequence. Thus it is seen that if potential transformer 71 isdeenergized, solenoid 80 is directly deenergized and if potentialtransformer 72 is deenergized, auxiliary solenoid 76 is directlydeenergized, which opens switch 79 to deenergize solenoid 80.

The timing mechanism 91 is so constructed that the downward movement ofplunger 82, upon deenergization of solenoid 80, is retardednotwithstanding the biasing action of spring 83. When latch roller 97 isfinally removed from depression 98, spring 103 operates link 104 fromthe position of FIGURE 5 to the position of FIG- URE 5A. This permitsarm 101 to open switch 111 so 'that upon subsequent restoration of powerto transformers 71, 72, solenoid 80 will remain deenergized.

Dual Tripping Time Characteristic Devices FIGURE 6 illustrates a firstembodiment of an automatic recloser having dual tripping timecharacteristics. Recloser 120 is comprised of casing 121 havinginsulator bushings 122, 123 extending upwardly from the top thereof.Terminal 124 is connected through conductor 125 and normally closed maincontactor 126 to one end of operating coil 127. The other end of coil127 is connected through conductor 128 to switch 129.

Conductor 130 connects switch terminal 129 to terminal 131 of switch 132whose other terminal 133 is connected through conductor 134 to coil tapA135. Conductor 136 connects switch terminal 131 to the lower end of coil127.

Recloser 120 further includes two totally independent timer-integrators137, 138, each of a conventional design well known to the automaticrecloser art. Timer-integrators 137, 138 are associated with controlcoils 139, 140, respectively. The bridging contacts of switches 129, 132are carried by the plungers of coils 139, 140, respectively, so thatupon energization of these respective coils their associated switches129, 132 will be opened.

Coils 139, 140 are connected to terminals 141, 142, respectively, ofswitch 143. Switch arm 144 is pivoted at terminal 145 so as to bemovable between terminals 141, 142. Conductor 146 connects switchterminal 145 to recloser terminal 147.

Switch arm 144 is connected through links 148, 149 and to a suitableoperating device such as the device illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 4A. Thefree end of link 150 may be connected to the upper end of operating link65 of FIGURES 4 and 4A. Link 150 is mounted to stationary pivot 151,having link 149 mounted thereon. Links 149, 150 are rigidly securedthereto for operation in unison about pivot 151. Thus, when link 150 isrotated in a counterclockwise direction through the upward movement ofoperating link 65, switch arm 144 will be moved from its solid lineposition of FIGURE 6 to the dotted line position thereof.

In the dotted line position of switch arm 144 in FIG- URE 6, controlcoil 139 is energized, so that recloser 120 is set for operation,controlled by timer-integrator 137. When recloser 120 is operatingthrough the control of timer-integrator 13'7, it is said that recloser120 is operating under .its normal tripping time characteristic. Whenswitch arm 144 is in the solid line position of FIG- URE 6, control coil140 is energized and recloser 120 is operating under the control oftimer-integrator 138. When recloser 120 is thus operated, it is said tobe operating under an alternate tripping time characteristic. That is,the characteristic operation dictated by timer-integrator 137 differsfrom the characteristic imparted by timerintergrator 138.

FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate other embodiments of this invention directedto devices whereby the operation of a recloser may readily be changedfrom its normal tripping time characteristic to an alternate trippingtime characteristic. In the aforesaid U.S. Patent 2,738,394, the deviceillustrated includes means for achieving time delayed tripping. Thedelay is imposed by a so-called time bar, which is a pivoted membercarrying a plurality of adjusting screws. The screws are engageable withindividual leaf springs. The greater the number of springs engaged bythe time bar screws, the greater will be the retarding force acting uponthe movable armature of a magnet energizable by fault current iiowingthrough the recloser.

Now referring more particularly to FIGURE 7. Movable armature 150 iskeyed to shaft 151, having hook extension 152 also keyed thereto. Thehook 153 of eX- tension 152 is in engagement with rod 154 of a suitabletime delaying escapement mechanism. Shaft 151 is mounted to centralclutch member 155 so as to be movable thereby into engagement with endclutch members 155a, 15517. End clutch member 155a is provided with aplurality of leaf springs 156-158 mounted thereto. Fixedly mounted timebar 159 is operatively positioned above springs 156-158 and is providedwith plurality of adjusting screws, 160-162, whose tips are engageableby springs 156-158, respectively.

With shaft 151 connected to end clutch member 155a, when the magnetassociated with armature 150 is suiiiciently energized to attractarmature 150 thereto, springs 156-158 will impose forces which must beovercome in moving armature 150. These forces are not available to movemembers 154 of the timing mechanism, so that tripping is delayed. Thetime delay interval is adjustable by adjusting the positions of screws160-162 relative to their associated leaf springs 156-158.

Another time bar 169, having a plurality of adjusting screws -172, isoperatively positioned so that the tips of screws 170-172 are engageablewith leaf springs 173- 175, respectively, carried by end clutch member155b.

A suitable switching arrangement, 176, which includes links 177-179, isprovided to selectively move central clutch member 155 and therebyoperatively connect shaft 121 I)to one or the other of the outer clutchmembers 155a, 1 5

The settings of adjusting screws 160-162 are different from the settingsof screws 17 0-172 with respect to their associated leaf springs and, inaddition, the stiffness of springs 156-158 may differ from the stiffnessof springs 173-175. Thus, dilferent magnitudes of retarding forces actupon armature 150, depending upon the position of clutch member 155.

In the embodiment of FIGURE 8, a single time bar 200 is utilized. Timebar 200 is pivoted at one end upon stationary pivot 201. One end ofvertical link 202 is connected to time bar 200 while the other end oflink 202 is connected to crank 203, pivotally mounted at 204 andconnected to operating link 65 of operating characteristic changer 40.

Adjusting screws 205-209 are mounted to time bar 200 and are operativelypositioned for engagement by leaf springs 21S-219, respectively. Leafsprings 21S-219 are mounted to bracket 214 fixedly mounted to rotatableshaft 213, which also has fixedly mounted thereto armature 212 and arm211. Hook 210 at the upper end of arm 211 is engageable with timer lever209.

When control coil 220 `associated with magnet 221 is sufficientlyenergized the flux generated 'thereby will attr act armature 212,causing pivoting thereof in a counterclockwise direction with respect topivot 213. This causes springs 215219 to engage adjusting screws205-209, respectively, as armature 212 travels through its full range ofmovement. When time bar 200 is pivoted counterclockwise about pivot 201to a raised position through the upward movement of link 202, caused bythe downward movement of link 65, then only springs 218, 219 engagetheir associated adjusting screws 208, 209, respectively, as armature212 travels through its full range of movement. Thus, it is seen thatwith time bar 200 in the raised position, a lesser retarding force willbe exerted upon armature 212 than is exerted thereon when time bar 200is in its lowered position of FIGURE 8. e

In the embodiment of FIGURE 9, a device 230, similar -in construction tosequence changer 40, operates through links 231, 232 to change theposition of auxiliary armature 233 associated with control magnet 234.When link 232 is moved to the left with respect to FIGURE 9, auxiliaryarmature 233 moves toward magnet 234, thereby reducing the reluctance ofthe magnetic path and increasing the ymagnetic forces acting upon mainarmature 235, thereby increasing timer speed and decreasing the timedelay interval; i

In the embodiment of FIGURE 10, the sequence changing device 240, actingthrough links 241, 242 operates switch arm 243, which is pivoted aboutContact 244 into and out of engagement with contact 245.` With switcharm 243 in engagement with contact 245, a considerable portion of thecontrol magnet energizing coil 246 will be shorted. This is thecondition prevailing when the recloser is operating with a normaltripping time characteristic.

.When switch arm 243 separates from contact 245, the

number of ampere turns energizing the control magnet is increased, thusincreasing the timer speed and decreasing the time delay interval. f

In the device of FIGURE l1, sequence changer 250 acts through links 251,252 to selectively change the-position of clutch 253, so that one orboth of the timer flywheels 251i, 255 drive the timing mechanism 256toward runout.

Thus, this invention provides a simplified, relatively inexpensivearrangement for isolating a faulted section of a power distributionsystem. The arrangement utilizes circuit breakers of the automaticreclosing type, slightly modified so that they operate selectively lwitha normal tripping time characteristic or an alternate tripping timecharacteristic. f v

Although there has been described preferred embodiments of thisinvention, many variations and modifications will now be evident tothose skilled in the art and, therefore, the scope of this invention isto be limited not by the specific disclosure herein detailed, but onlyyby the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A first and a second bus, normally open circuit interrupter whichwhen closed serially connects said buses,

`a first and a second normally closed circuit-breaker connected to saidfirst and said second buses, respectively, intermediate the endsthereof, each of said circuit breakers being of the automatic reclosingtype and having first means for establishing normal and second means forestablishing alternate time relay tripping characteristics, said circuitinterrupter being of the automatic reclosing type having a time delaytripping characteristic whose tripping time interval is less than thetripping time intervals of said normal tripping time characteristics andgreater than the time intervals of said alternate tripping timecharacteristics, third means responsive to predetermined circuit,conditions in either bus for closing said circuit interrupter,

y10 and fourth means responsive to predetermined circuit conditions inthe associated bus for shifting operation of a `selected one of saidcircuit breakers closest to the said Lcondition to operation under itsalternate tripping characteristic whereby a faulted section of bus isisolated and all other bus sections remain energized; each of said thirdand said fourth means comprising a device activated in response to aloss of voltage in the bus at its associated circuit interrupting meansto activate said third and fourth means.

2. A lfirst and a second bus, normally open circuitinterrupter whichwhen closed serially connects said buses, a first and a second normallyclosed circuit breaker connected to said first and said second buses,respectively, intermediate the ends thereof, each of said circuitbreakers being of the automatic reclosing type and having first meansfor establishing normal and second means for establishing alternate timedelay tripping characteristics, said circuit interrupter being of theautomatic reclosing type having a time delay tripping characteristicwhose tripping ytime interval is less than the tripping time intervalsof said normal tripping time characteristics and greater than the timeintervals of said alternate tripping time characteristics, third meansresponsive to predetermined circuit conditions in either bus for closingsaid circuit interrupter, and third means responsive to predeterminedcircuit conditions in the associated bus for shifting operation of aselected one of said circuit breakers closest to the said conditions tooperation under its alternate tripping characteristic whereby a faultedsection of bus is isolated and all other bus sections remain energized;each of said third and said fourth means comprising a device activatedin response to ak loss of voltage in the bus at its associated circuitinterrupting means to activate said third and fourth means; each of saiddevices including fifth means for retarding operation thereof until apredetermined time interval has elapsed.

3. A first and a second bus, normally open circuit interrupter whichwhen closed serially connects said buses, a first and a second normallyclosed circuit breaker connected to said first and said second buses,respectively, intermediate the ends thereof, each of said circuitbreakers being of the automatic reclosing type and having first meansfor establishing normal and second means for establishing alternate timedelay tripping characteristics, said circuit interrupter being of theautomatic reclosing type having a time delay tripping characteristic`Whose tripping time interval is less than the tripping time ,each ofsaid third and said fourth means comprising a deviceactivated inresponse to a loss of voltage in the bus at its associated circuitinterrupting means to activate said third and fourth means; each of saiddevices including fifth means for retarding operation thereof until apredetermined time interval has elapsed; each of said devices includinga solenoid energizable by a voltage source to which its associatedcircuit interrupting means is connected.

4. A first and a second bus, normally open circuit interrupter whichwhen closed serially connects said buses, a first and a second normallyclosed circuit breaker connected to said first and said second buses,respectively, intermediate the ends thereof, each of said circuitbreakers being of the automatic reclosing type and having first meansfor establishing normal and second means for establishing alternate timedelay tripping characteristics,

said circuit interrupter being of the automatic reclosing type having atime delay tripping characteristic whose tripping time interval is lessthan the tripping time intervals of said normal tripping timecharacteristics and greater than the time intervals of said alternatetripping time characteristics, third means responsive to predeterminedcircuit conditions in either bus for closing said circuit interrupter,and fourth means responsive to predetermined circuit conditions in theassociated bus for shifting operation of a selected one of said circuitbreakers closest to the said conditions to operation under its alternatetripping characteristic whereby a faulted section of bus is isolated andall other bus sections remain energized; each of said third and saidfourth means comprising a device activated in response to a loss ofvoltage in the bus at its associated circuit interrupting means toactivate said third and fourth means; each of said devices includingfifth means for retarding operation thereof until a predetermined timeinterval has elapsed; each of said devices including a solenoidenergizable by a voltage source to which its associated circuitinterrupting means is connected; biasing means; said solenoid having aplunger movable to a first position upon energization of said solenoidagainst the force of said biasing means urging said plunger to a secondposition; said plunger being operatively connected to said third meanswhereby movement of said plunger from said first to said second positionis retarded.

5. A first and a second bus, normally open circuit interrupter whichwhen closed serially connects said buses, a first and a second normallyclosed circuit breaker connected to said first and said second buses,respectively, intermediate the ends thereof, each of said circuitbreakers being of the automatic reclosing type and having first meansfor establishing normal and second means for establishing alternate timedelay tripping characteristics, said circuit interrupter being of theautomatic reclosing type having a time delay tripping characteristicwhose tripping time interval is less than the tripping time intervals ofsaid normal tripping time characteristics and greater than the timeintervals of said alternate tripping time characteristics, third meansresponsive to predetermined circuit conditions in either bus for closingsaid circuit interrupter, and fourth means responsive to predeterminedcircuit conditions in the associated bus for shifting operation of aselected one of said circuit breakers closest to the said conditions tooperation under its alternate tripping characteristics whereby a faultedsection of bus is isolated and all other bus sections remain energized;each of said third and said fourth means comprising a device activatedin response to a loss of voltage in the bus at its associated circuitinterrupting means to activate said third and fourth means; each of saiddevices including fifth means for retarding operation thereof until apredetermined time interval has elapsed; each of said devices includinga solenoid energizable by a voltage source to which its associatedcircuit interrupting means is connected; biasing means; said solenoidhaving a plunger movable to a first position upon energization of saidsolenoid against the force of said biasing means urging said plunger toa second position; said plunger being operatively connected to saidthird means whereby movement of said plunger from said first to saidsecond position is retarded; said device also including an operatingmember biased to a third posiiton, latch means for retaining said arm ina fourth position, said latch means being releasable by said plungerupon movement thereof to said second position.

6. A first and a second bus, normally open circuit interrupter whichwhen closed serially connects said buses, a first and a second normallyclosed circuit breaker connected to said first and said second buses,respectively, intermediate the ends thereof, each of said circuitbreakers being of the automatic reclosing type and having first meansfor establishing normal and second means for l2 establishing alternatetime delay tripping characteristics, said circut interrupter being ofthe automatic reclosing type having a time delay tripping characteristicwhose tripping time interval is less than the tripping time intervals ofsaid normal tripping time characteristics and greater than the timeintervals of said alternate tripping time characteristics, third meansresponsive to predetermined circuit condition in either bus for closingsaid circuit interrupter, and fourth means responsive to predeterminedcircuit conditions in the associated bus for shifting operation of aselected one of said circuit breakers closest to the said conditions tooperation under its alternate tripping characteristics whereby a faultedsection of bus is isolated and all other bus sections remain energized;each of said third and said fourth means comprising a device activatedin response to a loss of voltage in the bus at its associated circuitinterrupting means to activate said third and fourth means; each of saiddevices including fifth means for retarding operation thereof until apredetermined time interval has elapsed; each of said devices includinga solenoid energizable by a voltage source to which its associatedcircuit interrupting means is connected; biasing means; said solenoidhaving a plunger movable to a first position upon energization of saidsolenoid against the force of said biasing means urging said plunger toa second position; said plunger being operatively connected to saidthird means whereby movement of said plunger from said first to saidsecond position is retarded; said device also including an operatingmember biased to a third position, latch means for retaining said arm ina fourth position, said latch means being releasable by said plungerupon movement thereof to said second position; a switch connected incircuit between said solenoid and its energizing means; operation ofsaid operating member to said third position being effective to opensaid switch.

7. A sequence changing device for an automatic recloser having first andsecond time delay settings for protecting a transmission circuit, saiddevice including a member operatively connected to a reclosertimer-integrator means for changing the recloser tripping sequence, afirst means responsive to predetermined circuit conditions of thecircuit being protected for effecting operation of said member in afirst direction; time delay means connected to said first means forretarding operation of said member unless said predetermined circuitconditions exist for a predetermined interval of time.

8. A sequence changing device for an automatic recloser having first andsecond time delay settings for protecting a transmission circuit, saiddevice including a member operatively connected to a reclosertimer-integrator means for changing the recloser tripping sequence,biasing means; latch means for restraining movement of said member in adirection indicated by said biasing means, first means responsive topredetermined circuit conditions of the circuit being protected forunlatching said latch means, time delay means associated with said firstmeans for retarding unlatching of said latch means unless saidpredetermined circuit conditions exist for a predetermined interval oftime.

9. A sequence changing device for an automatic recloser having first andsecond time delay settings for protecting a transmission circuit, saiddevice including a member adapted to be operatively connected to arecloser timer-integrator means for changing the recloser trippingsequence, biasing means; latch means for restraining movement of saidmember in a direction indicated by said biasing means, first meansresponsive to predetermined circuit conditions of the circuit beingprotected for unlatching said latch means, time delay means associatedwith said first means for retarding unlatching of said latch meansunless said predetermined circuit conditions exist for a predeterminedinterval of time; said first means comprising a solenoid energized by avoltage source to which its associated recloser is connected.

10. A sequence changing device for an automatic recloser having firstand second time deiay settings for protecting a transmission circuit,said device including a member adapted to be operatively connected to arecloser timer-integrator means for changing the recloser trippingsequence, biasing means; latch means for restraining movement of saidmember in a direction indicated by said biasing means, first meansresponsive to predetermined circuit conditions of the circuit beingprotected for unlatching said latch means, time delay means associatedwith said first means for retarding unlatching of said latch meansunless said predetermined circuit conditions exist for a predeterminedinterval of time; said latch means comprising an element biased in afirst direction, said first means having an extension engaged by saidelement when said latch means is latched, said first means beingeffective to move said element out of engagement with said extension.

11. A sequence changing device for an automatic recloser having rst andsecond time delay settings for protecting a transmission circuit, saiddevice including a member adapted to be operatively connected to arecloser timer-integrator means for changing the recloser trippingsequence, biasing means; latch means for restraining movement of saidmember in a direction indicated by said biasing means, first meansresponsive to predetermined circuit conditions of the circuit beingprotected for unlatching said latch means, time delay means associatedwith said first means for retarding unlatching of said latch meansunless said predetermined circuit conditions exist for a predeterminedinterval of time; said first means comprising a solenoid energized by avoltage source to which its associated recloser is connected; said latchmeans comprising an element biased in a first direction, said firstmeans having an extension engaged by said element when said latch meansis latched, said first means being effective to move said element out ofengagement with said extension, a plunger associated with said solenoidand biased toward operative engagement with said element for moving sameout of engagement with said extension, said solenoid when energizedbeing effective to move said plunger out of operative engagement withsaid element.

12. A sequence changing device for an automatic recloser having firstand second time delay settings for protecting a transmission circuit,said device including a memher adapted to be operatively connected to arecloser timer-integrator means for changing the recloser trippingsequence, biasing means; latch means for restraining movement of saidmember in a direction indicated by said biasing means, first meansresponsive to predetermined circuit conditions of the circuit beingprotected for unlatching said latch means, time delay means associatedwith said first means for retarding unlatching of said latch meansunless said predetermined circuit conditions exist for a predeterminedinterval of time; said first means comprising a solenoid energized by avoltage source to which its associated recloser is connected; a switchconnected in circuit between said solenoid and its energizing means,said member when moved by its biasing means being effective to causeopening of said switch.

13. A sequence changing device for an automatic recloser having firstand second time delay settings for proy tecting a transmission circuit,said device including a member adapted to be operatively connected to arecloser timer-integrator means for changing the recloser trippingsequence, biasing means; latch means for restraining movement of saidmember in a direction indicated by said biasing means, first meansresponsive to predetermined circuit conditions of the circuit beingprotected for unlatching said latch means, time delay means associatedWith said first means for retarding unlatching of said latch meansunless said predetermined circuit conditions exist for a predeterminedinterval of time; said rst means comprising a solenoid energized by avoltage source to which its associated recloser is connected; said latchmeans comprising an element biased in a first direction, said firstmeans having an extension engaged by said element when said latch meansis latched, said first means being effective to move said element out ofengagement with said extension, a plunger associated with said solenoidand biased toward operative engagement with said element for moving sameout of engagement with said extension, said solenoid when energizedbeing effective to move said plunger out of operative engagement withsaid element; a switch connected in circuit between said solenoid andits energizing means, said member when moved by its biasing means beingeffective to cause opening of said switch.

14. A contact engagement changing device for an automatic recloserhaving first and second time delay settings for protecting atransmission circuit, said device including a member operativelyconnected to a recloser timer-inte grator means for changing therecloser contact engagement, a first means responsive to predeterminedcircuit conditions of the circuit being protected for effectingoperation of said member in a first direction; time delay meansconnected to said first means for retarding opera tion of said memberunless said predetermined circuit conditions exist for a predeterminedinterval of time.

15. A contact engagement changing device for an automatic recloser, saidrecloser contacts serially connecting a first and second bus whenclosed, said device including a member operatively connected to arecloser timer-inte grator means for changing the recloser contactengagement; a first means responsive to predetermined circuit conditionsin at least one of said buses for efiecting operation of said member ina first direction; time delay means connected to said first means forretarding operation of said member unless said predetermined circuitconditions exist for a predetermined interval of time.

16. A contact engagement changing device for an automatic recloser, saidrecloser contacts serially connecting a first and second bus whenclosed, said device including a member operatively connected to arecloser timer-integrator means for changing the recloser contactengagement; a first means responsive to predetermined circuit conditionsin at least one of said buses for effecting operation of said member ina first direction; time delay means connected to said first means forretarding operation of said member unless said predetermined circuitconditions exist for a predetermined interval of time; said first meansincluding a device activated in response to a loss of voltage at saidbus.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,740,447 Bauch Dec. 24, 1929 1,795,198 Connell Mar. 3, 1931 2,172,950Anderson Sept. 12, 1939 2,282,348 Thumin May l2, 1942 2,994,805 NashAug. 1, 1961

7. A SEQUENCE CHANGING DEVICE FOR AN AUTOMATIC RECLOSER HAVING FIRST AND SECOND TIME DELAY SETTINGS FOR PROTECTING A TRANSMISSION CIRCUIT, SAID DEVICE INCLUDING A MEMBER OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO A RECLOSER TIMER-INTEGRATOR MEANS FOR CHANGING THE RECLOSER TRIPPING SEQUENCE, A FIRST MEANS RESPONSIVE TO PREDETERMINED CIRCUIT CONDITIONS OF THE CIRCUIT BEING PROTECTED FOR EFFECTING OPERATION OF SAID MEMBER IN A FIRST DIRECTION; TIME DELAY MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST MEANS FOR RETARDING OPERATION OF SAID MEMBER UNLESS SAID PREDETERMINED CIRCUIT CONDITIONS EXIST FOR A PREDETERMINED INTERVAL OF TIME. 